Tedder-crank



(Nq Model.) L

' F. TRUMP.

- TEDDER RANK.

No. 296.368. Patented Apr. 8, 1884.

PATENT Enron@ FULLER TRUMP, OF

SPRINGFIELD, OHIO.

TEonER-CRANK.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No.' 296,368, dated April 8, 884.

Applcaon filed November 20, 1883. (No model.)

use where a series of cranks upon one shaft are required, but specially intended for use in Y hay-tedders.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a view illustrating part of a crank -shaft having three cranks constructed in accordance with iny invention. Fig. 2 is a detached perspective view, showing one ofthe cranks in connection, and Fig. 3 is a perspective view of one of the connecting-pieces. Y

In the manufacture of shafts having a number of cranks-such, for instance, as are used in hay-tedders-it is vnot only extremely difficult to make a solid shaft with all the parts between the cranks on the alignment, which parts usually constitute the bearings, but itis also difficult to repair if it becomes twisted or bent, while a very slight twist will result in greatr friction and loss of power `and undue wear ofthe bearings. To overcome these objections I forni each shaft having two or more cranks of separate sections consisting of crankpieces A and connecting pieces B. The crank-pieces are made of any suitable shape,4 so as to comprise the arms a c and cross-pins Zi of a double crank ofthe desired radius, and each connecting-piece B is adapted for attachment in any suitable manner to either of the arins c at one end, and at the opposite end to either of the arms of another crankpiece, so that a series of crank-pieces and a series of connecting-pieces united constitute a shaft.

Any suitable means of connection ina-y be adopted for detachably uniting the cranks and couplings. For instance, a pin, el, concentric with the axis of the shaft, may extend from the end of each arm c, or from each end of the coupling-piece B, and'one or more slots or recesses, c, in the crank or couplingpiece is adapted to a corresponding projection, i, on the opposite piece, so that when the pins d and projections i are introduced into their respective openings, the couplings are not only held rigidly in line with the axis, but are connected positively with the crankpieces, so that all parts of the shaft must turn together. While I thus secure a shaft which is as rigid in use as' one made of a single piece, it is not open to the objections incident to the latter, as it may be readily built up to any desired length of cheaply-constructed sections, all the parts are brought into alignment by the incre act of putting thein together, while injury to any one part can be repaired by removing the section and replacing it with a perfect piece.

Then the coupling-pieces B are fitted to boxes so as to constitute the bearings of the shaft, they cannot be put out of the line by the bending of the cranks, as results when the latter and intermediate points are in one piece. When the cranks are all to be at the saine side and in the saine plane, the recesses or' projections at one end of the coupling-piece are directly opposite those at the other end; but when the cranks are to radiate from the axis at different angles, the recesses or pins at the opposite ends of the coupling-pieces are set ,at different points.

sections, as I ani aware that a shaft has been made by bolting` together separate Wrist-pins, side pieces, and connections.

YVithout limiting inyselfto any special forms of cranks and couplings, I claiml. A crank-shaft` consisting of two or more crank pieces and intermediate couplingpieces, constructed for connection to forni a rigid shaft, and also to be readily separated, substantially as set forth.

crank-pieces and coupling-pieces, with corresponding recesses and projections upon the crank-arm or coupling-pieces, to permit the continuous connection of the partsl without interfering with their ready detachment, substantially as set forth.

3. The combination of the crank-pieces and coupling pieces, having corresponding re- I do not claini a shaft consisting of separate 2. The combination, ina crank-shaft, of 9e In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the presen ce of two subscribing Witnessesl FULLER TRUMP.

cesses and projections, the coupling pieces adaptedto the bearings, substantially as spccied.

4. The coupling-pieces adapted to unite ad- 5 jacent crank-pieces, and with projections or y Vitnessesf recesses at opposite ends arranged at different J.' M. BOOKWETH, angles, for the purpose set forth. W. A. SCOTT. 

